ALA President

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the American Library Association and the Internet Archive filed a “friend of the court” (PDF) brief in David Leon Riley v. State of California and United States v. Brima Wurie, two Supreme Court cases examining the constitutionality of cell phone searches after police arrests. In the amicus brief, both nonprofit organizations argue that warrantless cell phone searches violate privacy principles protected by the Fourth Amendment.

CHICAGO — As the American Library Association (ALA) gears up for its 2014 elections, an electronic election guide is once again available to help inform members about the candidates and the election process.  “Your Guide to the 2014 ALA Elections” contains general information about the ALA presidency, recent ALA presidential initiatives, and biographical information about the two presidential candidates.  Information about the ALA Council, recent Council actions, and links to information about this year’s 72 Council candidates is also provided.

Free webinar to focus on library partnerships with TEDx to increase community participation

CHICAGO — ALA President Barbara Stripling’s Libraries Change Lives campaign continues with “Talk About Innovation! TEDx @ your library,” a free webinar highlighting the benefit of a partnership between libraries and the influential TEDX (Technology, Entertainment, Design) series of videos and presentations.  This free webinar will take place at 2:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 13, 2014.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Barbara Stripling, president of the American Library Association (ALA), released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s remarks on the National Security Agency surveillance program: